How to choose a business major
One of the most exciting things about studying business is that you get to choose a specialisation. But with everything from finance to entrepreneurship on the table, which direction should you go in? Here’s everything you need to know.
So you’ve settled on studying a business degree. Nice one! Except just when you thought you were finished with the decisions, you’re faced with another: what business major to choose.
Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through this process and help you select the business major that’s best for you.
What is a major? It’s the discipline you focus on most throughout your course. You’ll graduate with skills specific to that area that your fellow graduates from other majors won’t have—which will help you stand out in the job market.
What are the main business majors?
As a business student, you’ll learn the fundamentals of business and dive deeper into the major of your choice.
The most common business majors are:
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Finance
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Logistics and supply chain management
- International relations
- Management
Some business courses offer lesser-known majors, too, like sports management and agribusiness. These majors are a little more niche but could be the perfect fit for you if you’re passionate about these areas.
Which business major has the highest demand?
The good news is that all business majors are in high demand, so any major that tickles your fancy is a safe bet. Take a closer look at the numbers, however, and you’ll see that the biggest upward employment trend is in advertising and marketing, with an annual predicted growth of 7,000 people.
That doesn’t mean you need to pursue a marketing major, though, if that’s not what interests you. Demand for workers in the finance, human resources, and supply chain and logistics fields is also increasing.
Do business majors make a lot of money?
Potentially! How much money you make as a business graduate depends on the industry you move into and what you’ve majored in.
Broadly speaking, individuals working in advertising and marketing earn about $1,800 per week, which is above average for an Australian salary. Finance managers make just over $3,000 per week on average, while human resource managers bring in a little less at $2,900 per week. Supply, distribution and procurement managers earn an average of $2,600 per week.
- Related reading: Jobs that pay $100k in Australia
Remember, how much money you make isn’t set in stone. Moving into another industry or taking on more responsibility can be great ways to increase your salary, no matter your major.
Alternatively, if you’ve majored in entrepreneurship, you might feel more inclined to start your own business! The sky’s the limit with a business course under your belt.
What business major should I choose?
Choosing a major is a deeply personal choice, so before you make it, ask yourself these questions:
Do you like being creative?
If so, a major like marketing could be an excellent fit for you. You’ll get to develop and execute marketing plans to increase brand awareness. Marketing skills are highly transferable, so this major could work well for you if you’re unsure what industry you want to build your career in.
Are you highly organised?
Majoring in logistics and supply chains is a good idea for people who love a fast-paced job. You’ll manage how goods and services are procured and distributed, which is a vital role in business operations. Graduates with a logistics and supply chain major can typically find work in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), agriculture, mining, or retail.
Are you great with people?
Choose a human resources career to centre people in your work. Develop professional development plans for others, help recruit the right people for your organisation, and support a team. Almost every organisation needs human resource support, so you’ll have the freedom to move between industries.
Got a head for numbers?
Majoring in finance can lead to a world of opportunities, because all businesses need financial support of some kind. You’ll have the knowledge needed to work anywhere you want, from a small local business to a multinational corporation.
There’s high demand for finance professionals in areas like financial analysis, accounting, and investment advice no matter what the economy looks like, making it a recession-resilient career path.
Do you see missing puzzle pieces everywhere you look?
Perhaps you’re an entrepreneur at heart. If you’ve got a few ideas bubbling away in the back of your mind and you’re ready to learn how to put them to good use, entrepreneurship could be a great major for you.
Ready to work in government?
A major like international relations will give you a thorough understanding of how governments, diplomacy, and trade work. Choose this path if you have a passion for social justice. You could focus your career on pressing global issues like climate change, migration and international security, and make a meaningful contribution to change.
Are you a natural born leader?
Major in management to become a business leader of tomorrow. You’ll gain the strategic skills you need to inspire a team, navigate changing market conditions, and keep operations running smoothly. Hello, future C-Suiter!
Finding it hard to decide?
Our team of friendly student advisors are here to help you make a choice that works for you. Book a call today and get tailored insight into which business major is best for you.
A course in business will open up doors for you to work in your dream job, whether in government, warehousing, foreign aid, marketing, or finance. Check out what business courses are available now.
